TMS Awards 2023Port of South LouisianaGeneva DryTelestackCimbriaBühler GmbH
  • Port of South Louisiana
  • Port of Stockton
  • Geneva Dry
  • Bühler GmbH
  • Van Aalst
  • Sailors Society

PA welcomes trade facilitation focus of Brexit White Paper

(Posted on 19/07/18)

 The British Ports Association has welcomed the Government’s Brexit White Paper which outlines the UK’s aims for a future economic relationship with the EU. Included in the White Paper is the much publicised Facilitated Customs Arrangement which essentially enables the continued frictionless trade between the UK and the EU. Commenting on the developments the British Ports Association’s Chief Executive, Richard Ballantyne said:

“It is clear that the Government has listened to businesses and ports as the revised Facilitated Customs Arrangement proposal will preserve the present free flowing of trade between the UK and the EU. If agreed, this concept would avoid the need for customs and other frontier checks and would ensure that borders remain fluid. It would therefore address the concerns about queues and congestion at ports. We understand there will be challenges for other parts of the logistics industry to overcome but we welcome the Prime Minister’s aspirations to find a trade friendly Brexit deal.”

The main relevance for ports is that the Facilitated Customs Arrangement proposes a free trade agreement that involves the UK becoming a ‘Combined Customs Territory’ with the EU. This will enable trade between the UK and the EU to be free from customs controls and checks. Mr Ballantyne continued:

“Whilst the Association did not take a position on the referendum or any other political episodes, we have been clear from the day of the result that where possible, retaining the benefits that the Customs Union and the Single Market provide in terms of trade facilitation, should be a key priority.”

Free circulation for goods will be possible, the White Paper suggests, by the UK aligning its customs rules with the EU’s and by adopting a Common Rule Book for goods. This will mean the UK and the EU will have a system of mutual recognition of standards. Significantly this will cover agri-food standards exempting the need for a port health inspection regime at the border as well.

Ballantyne added: “We are pleased to see that the new proposals mean no new physical or IT infrastructure requirements for those ports with EU traffic. A lot will depend upon the EU’s reaction of course but it’s important to note that the proposal will also solve the post Brexit border challenges which would arise at European ports with links to the UK.”

Latest News

HH-WIN approval provides security for expansion in Hamburg port area

(Posted on 26/10/24)

Following an important decision by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs in Berlin and the Federal... Read more


Port of Antwerp-Bruges growth despite challenges

(Posted on 23/10/24)

After nine months, Port of Antwerp-Bruges saw a total throughput of 210.5 million tonnes, an increase... Read more


Expanded Oshawa Grain Terminal begins test loads

(Posted on 19/10/24)

The improved Port of Oshawa Grain Export Terminal in Ontario has reached an important milestone, welcoming... Read more


King Willem-Alexander and King Philip open New Lock in Terneuzen

(Posted on 15/10/24)

His Majesty the King Willem-Alexander and His Majesty the King of the Belgians Filip jointly opened... Read more


Ducat’s West Africa rice milestone highlights advanced logistical methods

(Posted on 14/10/24)

Ducat Maritime, a leader in global maritime logistics, has announced that it has successfully shipped... Read more


International port stakeholders sign declaration to decarbonise global shipping

(Posted on 14/10/24)

The Hamburg Sustainability Conference (HSC), has concluded with representatives of various ports, international... Read more


Logistec appoints Cleidy Liborio Fernandes CCO to accelerate growth

(Posted on 08/10/24)

LOGISTEC, a leading North American marine and environmental services provider, has announced the appointment... Read more


Hamburg and Singapore begin strategic partnership

(Posted on 08/10/24)

The Hamburg Port Authority (HPA) and the Maritime and Port Authority Singapore (MPA) have signed a letter... Read more


Xeneta: US port strike ends, but supply chains to take weeks to recover

(Posted on 04/10/24)

Strike action at ports on the US East and Gulf Coast have ended after a new wage agreement was reached... Read more


Successful Rotterdam moveable shore power pilot

(Posted on 01/10/24)

In recent months, a pilot with moveable battery containers with shore power has taken place at the Steinweg... Read more


ViganTBA GroupSailors SocietyPort of StocktonVan AalstTOC Americas
  • TMS Awards 2023
  • TOC Americas

Subscribe to our newsletter

Keep up to date with the latest global news in bulk cargo handling and shipping